The City of Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE) produces and permits events for the City of Houston. City-wide and neighborhood festivals, dedications, inaugurations, parades, tree plantings, fun runs, galas, ground-breakings, holiday celebrations are examples of events coordinated by this office.

Civic celebration is vital to the spirit of Houston. The Mayor's Office of Special Events produces and permits events that enhance the image of the city and highlight Houston 's diverse culture. In addition to event production, the Mayor's Office of Special Events processes requests for special events, parade and street function permits, evaluates event co-sponsorship on city property, and provides production assistance for sponsored, co-sponsored, or fee-paid events. The goal of the Mayor's Office of Special Events is to promote consistent quality, family-oriented entertainment to Houston citizens and visitors. More About MOSE ...

Mayor's Office of Special Events

MOSE Signature Events

Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade
Cancelled

The 2020 parade has been canceled due to COVID-19. Please look for our online application early next year for the 2021 parade.

CITGO Freedom Over Texas
July 4, 2020

This year Houstonians will celebrate more than three decades of July 4th music and fireworks on Buffalo Bayou. The city’s signature tribute to patriotism - CITGO Freedom Over Texas, with live music acts and stunning fireworks.

Mayor's Back 2 School Fest
August 2020

BTSF provides Houston area students with some of the tools they need to start the school year off right. Backpacks, undergarments, immunizations, and basic school supplies are all generously underwritten and donated by a multitude of corporations in the Houston community.

Veterans Day Celebration
November 11, 2020

As a city, Houston is proud to pay tribute to our men and women in the military by providing an annual “Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration”. This civic celebration honors and celebrates the brave men, women, and families who fight for our liberty and freedom.

71st Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 26, 2020

Mayor's Holiday Spectacular
December 2020

The spectacular event is a holiday tradition of music, Santa, fireworks and family fun. A towering Holiday Tree, glowing with energy efficient LED lights, shimmering ornaments and a stunning star topper will light up the streets of downtown Houston this holiday season.

City Hall Local Lunch Market
Fall
Dates TBD

The new City Hall Local Lunch Market will offer the public a variety of prepared, ready to eat foods. Creative items by local artists will also be available for sale, all amidst Houston’s dramatic downtown urban setting.

CIGNA Sunday Streets Houston
Fall 2020 Dates TBD

Cigna Sunday Streets Houston opens a stretch of streets normally reserved for cars and other vehicles to allow cycling, walking, dancing, socializing and provides a family-friendly opportunity to be physically active.

Tour de Houston
March 2021

This annual event offers Houstonians and visitors a unique way to view the city with bike routes winding through Houston’s historic neighborhoods, scenic districts and parks. Riders and volunteers will enjoy a post-ride party that includes music, free food and beverages.

MOSE Social was created to engage, market and promote the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE) Civic Celebration Program throughout the year. MOSE has a presence on multiple social media outlets including Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google +. These sites are updated regularly to provide information on: pending and current events; updates, such as weather and street closures; contest and promotions’ photos and videos, and; additional information on MOSE Signature Events.

To apply for permission to hold a special event in a park or public space, please submit a Special Event Application (.pdf). You may submit the application along with the applicable non-refundable application fees by mail or in person.

Applying for an Event?
Please click more to the right for more info and following filing deadlines ... More ...

Parades, Street Functions & Park / Other Events
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events accepts applications between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for City-observed Holidays. Applications for a parade or street function permit may be filed no earlier than the 365th day prior to the date of the requested parade ... More ...

Parks Dept Permits and Reservations
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department Permits Office issues permits for the use of different venues and parks operated by the department for the City of Houston.
An area within a park may be reserved for personal use for private events by obtaining a permit through the Permits section of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. A fee and a refundable deposit are required. This permit ensures the exclusive use of a particular space for a designated time.
Any request to conduct a park event that is of a size and nature requiring the significant provision or coordination of city services will require a special event permit from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

Bagged Meters
#REDMETERBAG Do you know what this means? A Red Meter Bag means that the spaces are reserved for the permit holder. Avoid a ticket and towing and do not park here. If you have a permit, make sure you display your permit in your windshield. #parking